India’s new Test captain Shubman Gill has said that he believes in leading by example after stepping into the role of India’s 37th Test captain.
Speaking in his first interview since being appointed captain of the Indian Test side, India’s star batter, Shubman Gill shared his thoughts with BCCI.tv, reflecting on the responsibility, the legacy he inherits and the road ahead.
Gill was announced as the next Test captain of India while the BCCI announced their 18-men unit for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, that will also mark the beginning of the next World Test Championship cycle.
“It is definitely a bit overwhelming,” Gill said. “As a young kid when anyone starts playing cricket, they want to play for India and not just play for India, play Test cricket for a very long time.
“To be able to get this opportunity is a great honour and it’s a big responsibility. I’m looking forward to this exciting opportunity and the upcoming series against England is going to be an exciting one.”
As captain, Gill emphasised the importance of leadership beyond just runs and results, expressing a philosophy rooted in discipline and connection.
“I believe in leading by example, not just by performance, but I think off the field by discipline and hard work. As a captain, a leader should be able to know when to step in and also when to give space to the players.
“A good leader should always be able to know what makes his players be able to have the best performance or the best outcome.
“That is always exciting to people to have those conversations with the players, to be able to know them on a deeper level than just cricket, you know, because then you’re really able to know what can get the best out of them.”
